FORMAL RETRIEVER FOUNDATION

Build a Dog You Can Take Hunting.

Basic Gun Dog Training builds the obedience, retrieving habits, steadiness, and field foundation a dog needs to become a dependable hunting companion.

This isn't just teaching a dog to chase a bird and bring it back when it feels like it.

The dog learns that retrieving is a job.

For dogs 6 months and older

Apply for Basic Gun Dog Training

  • A dog can't be dependable in the field without obedience.

    Work may include:

    • Here — voice and whistle

    • Sit — voice and whistle

    • Heel

    • Kennel

    • Down

    • Leash manners

    • Waiting to be released

    • Control around distractions

    Commands are taught first, then reinforced as distractions and expectations increase.

  • The e-collar is introduced only after the dog understands the commands being reinforced.

    The dog learns how to respond correctly to pressure and how its own response turns that pressure off.

    The collar reinforces something the dog already understands. It doesn't replace teaching.

  • A Reliable Retrieve Is More Than Desire.

    Force fetch establishes a clear standard for picking up, holding, carrying, returning with, and delivering a retrieve.

    The dog learns that once sent for a retrieve, completing the retrieve correctly isn't optional.

    Work progresses from hold and fetch through movement, delivery to hand, and ultimately retrieving under increasing distractions and field conditions.

    Force fetch isn't rushed. Each step must be understood before the next one is added.

  • This is where the pieces begin coming together.

    Depending on the individual dog, work may include:

    Birds
    Gunfire
    Land and water marks
    Decoys
    Hunting blinds
    Boats
    Steadiness
    Delivery to hand
    Working around other dogs
    Different cover and terrain
    Introduction to lining and casting
    Simple blind retrieves when the dog is ready

    The goal is not a dog that only performs on the training grounds. We begin asking the dog to carry its obedience and retrieving standard into changing hunting situations.

FROM YARD WORK TO FIELD WORK

The Standard Has to Travel.

A dog hasn't learned the job just because it can do it in one place.

As the foundation becomes dependable, training moves across fields, water, cover, birds, decoys, boats, blinds, and changing setups.

The surroundings change. The standard doesn't.

WHAT COMPLETION MEANS

A dog completing Basic Gun Dog Training should have a dependable foundation in obedience, retrieving, steadiness, and field work.

The dog should be able to remain under control, watch a bird fall, make the retrieve, return promptly, and deliver the bird to hand.

Depending on the individual dog, some may also begin simple blinds, lining, casting, and more advanced handling.

Basic Gun Dog Training builds the hunting foundation. It does not represent the end of what a retriever can learn.

Dogs ready for more can continue into Advanced Gun Dog Training.

EXPLORE ADVANCED TRAINING →

TIMELINE

Formal gun dog training is measured in months, not weekends.

Basic Gun Dog Training generally takes 4–6 months, depending on the dog's maturity, ability, prior training, and the owner's goals.

$650 / MONTH

Every dog progresses differently. We'll communicate where your dog stands as training moves forward.

APPLY FOR BASIC GUN DOG TRAINING